Graphic layers and related methods for incorporation of graphic layers into solar modules

ABSTRACT

In some aspects, graphic layers for depicting a visible representation of an image along a surface of a photovoltaic module can include a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions; and at least one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding the substantially opaque isolated regions, wherein an outer surface of the at least one substantially transparent contiguous region comprises a matte surface finish.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/004,793, filed Jan. 22, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/107,136, filedJan. 23, 2015, and entitled GRAPHIC LAYERS AND RELATED METHODS FORINCORPORATION OF GRAPHIC LAYERS INTO SOLAR MODULES; the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to graphic layers and relatedmethods for incorporation of graphic layers into solar modules.

BACKGROUND

The benefits of solar energy as a clean, environmentally friendly,fossil-fuel-free energy source are known. In recent years, thetechnology has also become increasingly affordable thanks toimprovements in energy conversion efficiency, reductions inmanufacturing costs, and well-structured government incentive schemessuch as the federal tax credits and tradable renewable energycertificates in the United States. However, since the earliestdeployments of solar in the post WWII years, the visual appearance ofsolar panels has not changed significantly, with the overwhelmingmajority of the panels having a generally black or dark blue color.Traditionally, darker colors were used to increase efficiency and, giventhe historically high cost structure of solar, every basis point inefficiency gain made a significant impact on the economic payback.However, methods for altering the visual appearance of solar panels arenow desirable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to graphic layers and related methods forincorporation of graphic layers into solar modules.

In one aspect, graphic layers (e.g., graphic layers for forming an imageand/or a pattern visible on a light-incident surface of a photovoltaiclayer of a photovoltaic module) is provided. In some embodiments, thegraphic layer comprises a plurality of substantially opaque isolatedregions and at least one substantially transparent contiguous regionsurrounding the substantially opaque isolated regions, wherein at leasta portion of the substantially opaque isolated regions form an imageand/or a pattern having a resolution in the range of about 5 opaqueregions per inch (RPI) to about 300 opaque RPI, wherein the graphiclayer has a transparency level in the range of about 50% to about 95%.

In some embodiments, the graphic layer comprises a plurality ofsubstantially opaque isolated regions and at least one substantiallytransparent contiguous region surrounding the substantially opaqueisolated regions, wherein at least a portion of the substantially opaqueisolated regions are offset from neighboring substantially opaqueregions by an offset angle in the range of about 5 degrees to about 85degrees.

In some embodiments, the graphic layer comprises a plurality ofsubstantially opaque isolated regions and at least one substantiallytransparent contiguous region surrounding the substantially opaqueisolated regions, wherein at least a portion of the substantially opaqueisolated regions comprise at least a first layer comprising at least afirst ink and/or at least a second layer comprising at least a secondink.

In some embodiments, the graphic layer comprises an image and/or apattern and/or one or more colors that are different from a color of alight-incident surface of a photovoltaic layer of the photovoltaicmodule, and a plurality of colored photovoltaic layers, wherein thegraphic layer and the plurality of colored photovoltaic layers arelaminated together so that the graphic layer and the plurality ofcolored photovoltaic cells together create an image and/or a pattern onthe photovoltaic module.

In another aspect, photovoltaic modules are provided. In someembodiments, the photovoltaic module comprises a graphic layercomprising a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions and atleast one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding thesubstantially opaque isolated regions, wherein at least a portion of thesubstantially opaque isolated regions form an image and/or a pattern,and a photovoltaic layer, wherein the graphic layer is positioned infront of a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic layer.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module comprises a graphic layercomprising a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions and atleast one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding thesubstantially opaque isolated regions, wherein at least a portion of thesubstantially opaque isolated regions form an image and/or a pattern,wherein at least a portion of the substantially opaque isolated regionsare offset from neighboring substantially opaque regions by an offsetangle in the range of about 3 degrees to about 60 degrees, and aphotovoltaic layer, wherein the graphic layer is positioned in front ofa light-incident surface of the photovoltaic layer.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module comprises a graphic layercomprising a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions and atleast one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding thesubstantially opaque isolated regions, wherein at least a portion of thesubstantially opaque isolated regions form an image and/or a pattern,wherein at least a portion of the substantially opaque isolated regionscomprise at least a first layer comprising at least a first ink and/orat least a second layer comprising at least a second ink, and aphotovoltaic layer, wherein the graphic layer is positioned in front ofa light-incident surface of the photovoltaic layer.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module comprises a graphic layercomprising an image and/or a pattern and/or one or more colors that aredifferent from a color of a light-incident surface of a photovoltaiclayer of the photovoltaic module and a plurality of colored photovoltaiclayers, wherein the graphic layer and the plurality of coloredphotovoltaic layers are laminated together so that the graphic layer andthe plurality of colored photovoltaic layers together create an imageand/or a pattern on the photovoltaic module.

In another aspect, methods of making a graphic layer for a photovoltaicmodule is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming afirst plurality of isolated regions on a substantially transparent layerto produce a printed layer, forming a second plurality of isolatedregions on at least a portion of the first plurality of isolated regionsin a pre-determined pattern to produce and/or complete an image and/or apattern on the printed layer to produce the graphic layer.

In some embodiments, the method comprises determining a series of imageforming parameters of a pre-determined pattern based upon a desiredtransparency level and/or RPI, modifying an original image based uponthe series of image forming parameters of the pre-determined patternsuch that the modified image comprises a plurality of isolated regionsarranged in the pre-determined pattern, forming the plurality ofisolated regions on a substantially transparent layer to produce and/orcomplete an image and/or a pattern to produce the graphic layer.

In another aspect, methods of making photovoltaic modules are provided.In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a first plurality ofisolated regions on a substantially transparent layer, forming a secondplurality of isolated regions on at least a portion of the firstplurality of isolated regions to form a graphic layer, wherein at leasta portion of the second plurality of isolated regions form an imageand/or a pattern, and positioning the graphic layer in front of alight-incident surface of a photovoltaic layer.

Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of various non-limitingembodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and adocument incorporated by reference include conflicting and/orinconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. If twoor more documents incorporated by reference include conflicting and/orinconsistent disclosure with respect to each other, then the documenthaving the later effective date shall control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic representations of a graphic layer including acontiguous region and a plurality of isolated regions, according to oneset of embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an exemplary image which may be used for forming a graphiclayer according to one set of embodiments;

FIGS. 2B-2E are schematic representations of the image in FIG. 2A aftermodification to be at least partially transparent, according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3B are schematic representations of patterns of isolatedregions, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the offset angle between isolatedregions, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the distance between neighboringisolated regions, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a clipping mask beingsuperimposed on an image, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6B is a schematic representation of an image modified aftersuperimposition of a clipping mask on the image, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an isolated region formed from abase layer and an image layer, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 8 are schematic cross-sectional views (A-D) of isolated regions inwhich the number and thicknesses of the base layers and/or image layersare chosen to provide enhanced vibrancy and/or opacity, according tosome embodiments;

FIGS. 9-12 are exploded isometric schematic views of embodiments ofphotovoltaic modules comprising a graphic layer, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 13A shows an exemplary image of rooftop tiles to be integrated intoa solar panel, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 13B is a schematic representation of the image of FIG. 13A afterbeing modified into a visible yet substantially transparent format,according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric schematic view of a photovoltaicmodule, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary image of a photovoltaic module including avisible yet substantially transparent image of rooftop tiles, accordingto one set of embodiments;

FIG. 16A is an exemplary image of a graphic containing a logo to beintegrated into a solar panel, according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 16B is a schematic representation of the image of FIG. 16A afterbeing modified into a visible yet substantially transparent format,according to one set of embodiments;

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric schematic view of a photovoltaicmodule, according to one set of embodiments; and

FIG. 18 is an exemplary image of a photovoltaic module including avisible yet substantially transparent image of a logo, according to oneset of embodiments.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying figures areschematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes ofclarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is everycomponent of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustrationis not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to graphic layers and relatedmethods. In some cases, photovoltaic modules comprising a graphic layerare provided. The graphic layers may form an image and/or a pattern(e.g., on the surface of, and/or visible when viewing the surface of, aphotovoltaic module) with a plurality of isolated opaque regions and atransparent contiguous region (i.e. at least one transparent contiguousregion) surrounding the isolated opaque regions. Photovoltaic modulescomprising such graphic layers may offer several advantages overtraditional photovoltaic modules including enhancing and broadening theaesthetic appearance of solar panels (e.g., in order to significantlyincrease their widespread adoption), increasing the attractiveness anddesirability of solar panels to the general consumer (e.g., creatingadditional value beyond alternative energy including, for example,boosting the resale value of homes and/or buildings utilizing such solarpanels, or generating additional income streams by using the graphiclayers integrated into such solar panels as advertising media). Whileprevious attempts have been made to alter the visual appearance ofphotovoltaic modules, including the manufacture of crystalline solarcells of varying colors, such methods are often limited in the range ofcolors and/or visual effect produced, are not generally scalable, areexpensive (e.g., typically involving expensive techniques such as atomiclayer deposition or chemical vapor deposition or expensive materialssuch as rare dyes or pigments or both), and/or are limited to few selectapplications. The use of graphic layers as described herein may, incertain embodiments, provide inexpensive, scalable, and customizable(e.g., in color, size, and/or image complexity) methods and devices forimproving the appearance of photovoltaic modules as compared to typicalmethods known in the art. Furthermore, certain embodiments ofphotovoltaic modules comprising graphic layers of the present inventionmay also demonstrate greater levels of energy efficiency (e.g.,transmission of light to the photovoltaic module) as compared toalternative methods for altering the appearance of such modulesconventional in the art.

In some embodiments, a photovoltaic module comprises a graphic layer. Incertain embodiments, the graphic layer comprises a plurality of isolatedregions (e.g., substantially opaque isolated regions) and a contiguousregion (e.g., at least one transparent contiguous region). The isolatedregions may comprise, in some cases, a base layer and an image layer. Atleast a portion of the plurality of isolated regions may form arecognizable image, while in certain embodiments, at least somesubstantially opaque regions may be included not for the purpose of, ornot primarily for the purpose of, contributing to a recognizable image,but rather as masking regions, lines, etc. to cover otherwise visiblecomponents/features (e.g. wires/connectors, etc.) whose appearancewithout such masking would be less desirable to the overall appearanceof the image on the graphic layer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, graphic layer 100 generally comprises acontiguous layer 105 comprising a contiguous region 110 surrounding aplurality of isolated regions 120. In some embodiments, as illustratedin FIG. 1B (a cross-sectional view of graphic layer 100) the pluralityof isolated regions 120 and contiguous regions 110 are within the samelayer and together form contiguous layer 105. In some embodiments,referring now to FIG. 1C, isolated regions 120 are disposed on only aportion of contiguous layer 105 leaving exposed contiguous regions 110.Each isolated region 120 may itself comprise a plurality of layers. Insome embodiments, each isolated region comprises at least one base layerand at least one image layer. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1D,isolated region 120 comprises base layer 122 and image layer 124. Eachisolated region may comprise the same or different base layer(s) and/orimage layer(s).

Modification of Original Image to Produce Graphic Layer

In certain embodiments, each isolated region is generally substantiallyopaque. Substantially opaque in the context of isolated regions refersto isolated region(s) whose opacity to at least certain visiblewavelengths exceeds that of the contiguous region(s) surrounding theisolated region(s). As described in more detail below, in certainembodiments, some or all of the substantially opaque isolated regionsmay be substantially completely or almost completely opaque (e.g. havingan average opacity over the area of the isolated region(s) of at least90%, such as within the range of 90% to 100% opacity), while in otherembodiments, at least some of the substantially opaque isolated regionsare at more transparent (e.g. having an average opacity over the area ofthe region(s) of at least 50%, such as within the range of 50% to 90%opacity). Generally, in order to form a visually discernable image, atleast some, many, most, or each substantially opaque region will be lesstransparent than the contiguous region(s), depending on the visualeffect desired. The plurality of isolated regions generally forms animage and/or pattern. For example, FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary originalimage as may be used for forming a graphic layer. In some such images,the entirety of the original image may be substantially opaque. In someembodiments, the original image and/or pattern (e.g., the exemplaryoriginal image of FIG. 2A) is modified such that it is now at leastpartially transparent. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, graphiclayer 200 comprises a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions220 and a contiguous transparent region 210. Substantially opaqueisolated regions 220 generally correspond to at least a portion of theoriginal image. In some such embodiments, light that is incident on theisolated regions is substantially reflected while light that is incidenton the contiguous transparent region is substantially transmittedthrough the graphic layer. That is to say, the plurality ofsubstantially opaque isolated regions generally forms an image and/orpattern derived from the original image and/or pattern. The pattern maybe a pre-determined pattern (e.g., formed from a clipping mask), asdescribed in more detail in the Examples.

Isolated Regions

Surface Area

The plurality of isolated regions generally occupies a particularsurface area of the overall image forming portion of the graphic layer.Those skilled in the art would understand that the image forming portiongenerally comprises a plurality of isolated regions and a contiguousregion, but may not include regions of a contiguous layer which, forexample, are substantially free of any isolated regions. That is to say,the surface area that is covered by the isolated regions is generallyexpressed as a percentage of the total surface area of the image formingportion of the graphic layer (e.g., the total surface area of thegraphic layer comprising a plurality of isolated regions and at leastone contiguous region) and, for embodiments comprising isolated regionsthat are substantially opaque, equates to the percentage of the imagethat is substantially opaque (e.g., serving as a measure of the opacityof the image). Conversely, the total surface area that is covered by thetransparent contiguous region(s) expressed as a percentage of the totalsurface area of the image forming portion of the graphic layer equatesto the percentage of the image that is substantially transparent (e.g.,serving as a measure of the transparency level of the image). Forexample, in some embodiments, the isolated regions occupy a surface areaof between about 1% and about 80%, (e.g., between about 5% and about50%, between about 10% and about 20%) of the total surface area of thegraphic layer (e.g., the image forming portion of the graphic layer).For example, in some embodiments, the isolated regions occupy a surfacearea of at least about 1%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, atleast about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about50%, at least about 60%, or at least about 70% of the total surface areaof the graphic layer. In certain embodiments, the isolated regionsoccupy a surface area of less than or equal to about 80%, less than orequal to about 70%, less than or equal to about 60%, less than or equalto about 50%, less than or equal to about 40%, less than or equal toabout 30%, less than or equal to about 20%, or less than or equal toabout 10%. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible(e.g., between about 5% and about 50%, between about 10% and about 20%).Other ranges are also possible.

Surface Area Relating to Transparency Level

Further, those skilled in the art will understand that different degreesof light transmission through the graphic layer can be achieved byaltering the sizes of the isolated regions, the number of isolatedregions within a given surface area, the degree of opacity of theisolated regions (discussed further below), and/or the spacing betweenthe isolated regions. For instance, the same original image may bemodified such that the isolated regions occupy a surface area of about5%, corresponding to about 95% of the incident light on the graphiclayer being transmitted through the graphic layer for embodiments inwhich the isolated region(s) are substantially completely opaque (i.e.essentially 100%). In some embodiments, the graphic layer may have anaverage overall transparency level (e.g., corresponding to the surfacearea not occupied by substantially completely opaque isolated regionsexpressed as a percentage of the total surface area) ranging betweenabout 50% and about 99%. For example, in some embodiments, the graphiclayer may have an average transparency level of at least about 50%, atleast about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99%. For embodiments in whichthe isolated regions are substantially opaque but have a higher level oftransparency than the substantially completely opaque isolated regionsin the discussion above, the overall transparency of the graphic layerwill be a function of the degree of opacity of the isolated regions aswell as their percent coverage of the surface area of the graphic layer.This calculation is presented in the section discussing isolated regionopacity below.

The number of, size of, shape of, and/or spacing between, isolatedregions may affect or determine the overall transparency level of thegraphic layer. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2E, by alteringthe number of the isolated regions 220, the size of the isolated regions220, and/or the spacing 210 between the isolated regions 220, differentimage resolutions and/or transparency levels may be achieved. Inexemplary FIGS. 2C-2E, the total surface area occupied by all theisolated regions, expressed as a percentage of the total surface area ofthe image, is the same. That is to say, the transparency level of allthree exemplary figures is the same while other image parameters (e.g.,number of isolated regions, size of isolated regions, spacing betweenisolated regions, and/or image resolutions) are different. Suchmodifications may allow for adjustment of image resolutions based on thedistance of a viewer from the image. For example, in cases where thegraphic layer is on a rooftop or on a billboard and the viewer is atstreet level, the graphic layer may be of lower resolution (e.g., fewerisolated regions, and/or isolated regions spaced further apart and/orisolated regions having relatively smaller sizes) than a graphic layeron a piece of street furniture (e.g., a park bench, a bus shelter, acarport) where the viewer is, for example, standing closer to thegraphic layer. Graphic layer resolutions are described in more detailbelow. Conversely, it will be evident that by adjusting the sameparameters, one may also achieve different versions of an image whereineach has a different transparency level while maintaining the same imageresolution. Further, it will be evident, that by adjusting the sameparameters, one may also achieve different versions of an image whereineach has a different transparency level as well a different imageresolution.

Shape

As described above, the isolated regions may have any suitable shape.While the isolated regions of FIGS. 1A-2E are generally illustrated assubstantially circular, those skilled in the art would understand thatany suitable shape may be used. Each of the isolated regions may havethe same or different shape. Non-limiting examples of suitable shapesinclude substantially circular (e.g., circular, elliptical,capsule-like), substantially linear (e.g. thin lines or stripes),polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal,hexagonal, or the like). In some cases, the isolated regions may beirregularly shaped. Those skilled in the art would be capable ofselecting suitable shapes for the isolated regions based upon desiredimage quality/visual effect as guided by the teachings of thisspecification.

Size

Each of the isolated regions may have a particular size (e.g., largestcross-sectional dimension). The plurality of isolated regions may, insome cases, all have substantially the same largest size. In someembodiments, the size of each isolated region may be different. In someembodiments, each of the isolated regions may have a largestcross-sectional dimension ranging between about 20 microns (about 0.0008inches) and about 10160 microns (about 0.4 inches), or between about 20microns (about 0.0008 inches) and about 4064 microns (about 0.16inches). In certain embodiments, each of the isolated regions may have alargest-cross sectional dimension of at least about 20 microns, at leastabout 40 microns, at least about 60 microns, at least about 80 microns,at least about 90 microns, at least about 100 microns, at least about200 microns, at least about 500 microns, at least about 1000 microns, atleast about 1250 microns, at least about 1270 microns, at least about1500 microns, at least about 2000 microns, at least about 3000 microns,at least about 4000 microns, at least about 5000 microns, at least about5080 microns, or at least about 10000 microns. In some embodiments, eachof the isolated regions may have a largest cross-sectional dimension ofless than or equal to about 10160 microns, less than or equal to about5080 microns, less than or equal to about 5000 microns, less than orequal to about 4064 microns, less than or equal to about 4000 microns,less than or equal to about 3000 microns, less than or equal to about2000 microns, less than or equal to about 1500 microns, less than orequal to about 1270 microns, less than or equal to about 1250 microns,less than or equal to about 1000 microns, less than or equal to about500 microns, less than or equal to about 200 microns, less than or equalto about 100 microns, less than or equal to about 90 microns, less thanor equal to about 80 microns, less than or equal to about 60 microns, orless than or equal to about 40 microns. Combinations of theabove-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., between about 20microns and about 10160 microns, between about 20 microns and about 4064microns, between about 90 microns and about 1270 microns, between about90 microns and about 5080 microns, between about 80 microns and about1200 microns). Other ranges are also possible.

Spacing

As illustrated in FIG. 5, isolated regions 510, 512, 514, and 516 eachhas a shortest distance between neighboring isolated regions. In someembodiments, isolated regions 510, 512, 514, and 516 each has a shortestdistance between neighboring isolated regions defined as the shortestdistance, U, connecting the perimeters of the closest neighboringisolated regions—often convenient for irregularly shaped isolatedregions and/or isolated regions with large aspect ratios. In someembodiments, isolated regions 510, 512, 514, and 516 each has a shortestdistance between neighboring isolated regions defined as the shortestdistance, U+2r (where r is half of the largest cross-sectional dimensionof the isolated region), connecting the geometric center points of theclosest neighboring isolated regions—e.g. as shown in FIG. 5 forsubstantially circular isolated regions 510, 512, 514, 516. In some suchembodiments, each U (or U+2r) may be the same or different. That is tosay, the shortest distances between neighboring isolated regions may, insome cases, be uniform (i.e. having each U or U+2r be the same as shownin FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the shortest distances betweenneighboring isolated regions is different (i.e. wherein each U or U+2ris not necessarily the same). In certain embodiments, the averageshortest distance between neighboring isolated regions (i.e. the averageof the shortest distances connecting the perimeters of the closestneighboring isolated regions or the average of the shortest distancesconnecting the geometric center points of the closest neighboringisolated regions) may be between about 1.25 times the average largestcross-sectional dimension of the isolated regions and about 4 times theaverage largest cross-sectional dimension of the isolated regions. Insome cases, the average shortest distance between two neighboringisolated regions is at least about 1.25 times, at least about 1.5 times,at least about 1.75 times, at least about 2 times, at least about 2.5times, at least about 3 times, or at least about 3.5 times the averagelargest cross-sectional dimension of the isolated regions. In certainembodiments, the average shortest distance between two neighboringisolated regions is less than or equal to about 4 times, less than orequal to about 3.5 times, less than or equal to about 3 times, less thanor equal to about 2.5 times, less than or equal to about 2 times, lessthan or equal to about 1.75 times, or less than or equal to about 1.5times the average largest cross-sectional dimension of the isolatedregions. Combinations of the above referenced ranges are also possible(e.g., between about 1.25 times and about 4 times, between about 2 timesand about 3 times). Other ranges are also possible.

Image Resolution

Accordingly, the graphic layer comprising a plurality of isolatedregions may have a particular resolution. Resolution may be described,in some cases, as the number of isolated regions per unit distance(e.g., regions per inch (RPI), which conflates to the commonly used dotsper inch (DPI) for images formed from substantially circular isolatedregions). In some embodiments, the graphic layer has a resolution ofbetween about 5 RPI and about 300 RPI. In certain embodiments, thegraphic layer has a resolution of at least about 5 RPI, at least about10 RPI, at least about 15 RPI, at least about 20 RPI, at least about 25RPI, at least about 50 RPI, at least about 75 RPI, at least about 100RPI, at least about 150 RPI, at least about 200 RPI, or at least about250 RPI. In some embodiments, the graphic layer has a resolution of lessthan or equal to about 300 RPI, less than or equal to about 250 RPI,less than or equal to about 200 RPI, less than or equal to about 150RPI, less than or equal to about 100 RPI, less than or equal to about 75RPI, less than or equal to about 50 RPI, less than or equal to about 25RPI, less than or equal to about 20 RPI, less than or equal to about 15RPI, or less than or equal to about 10 RPI. Combinations of theabove-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., between about 5 RPI andabout 300 RPI, between about 10 RPI and about 100 RPI). Other ranges arealso possible.

Pattern and Orientation of Isolated Regions

At least a portion of the plurality of isolated regions may form aparticular pattern. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, isolatedregions 320 may form a substantially aligned pattern of rows and columnsof isolated regions. The term aligned as described herein is given itsordinary definition in the art and generally refers to arranging threeor more isolated regions such that a substantially straight line passingthrough three or more isolated regions intersects (at leastapproximately) with a geometric center of each of the isolated regions.In some embodiments, the substantially aligned patterns of rows andcolumns may be offset and/or orientated (e.g., relative to the verticalorientation of the original image as illustrated, for example, in FIG.2A). That is to say, in some cases, isolated regions may be offset fromneighboring isolated regions when viewed from a particular angle (e.g.,a vertical angle such as a person standing vertically directly in frontof the graphic layer). In some such embodiments, at least a portion ofthe isolated regions are offset from neighboring isolated regions by anoffset angle in the range of about 3 degrees to about 60 degrees. Forexample, as illustrated in exemplary isolated regions 320 in FIG. 3B, atleast a portion of the isolated regions 320 are offset from neighboringisolated regions by an offset angle of about 45 degrees. As illustratedin FIG. 4, the offset angle may be determined by measuring the anglebetween three or more isolated regions. The offset angle between threeor more isolated regions may be determined by, for example, measuringthe angle (θ, theta) between a line intersecting the geometric centersof first isolated region 410 and second isolated region 412 (line R),and a line substantially parallel to a vertical or horizontal (asillustrated) orientation direction of the original image intersectingthe geometric centers of second isolated region 412 and third isolatedregion 414 (line S). In some embodiments, at least a portion of theisolated regions are offset from neighboring isolated regions by anoffset angle of between about 3 degrees and about 60 degrees, betweenabout between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 15degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 20 degrees and about 60degrees, between about 25 degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 30degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 55degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees, or of about 45degrees. Other ranges are also possible.

Having an offset angle (e.g., of between about 40 degrees and about 50degrees) may improve the image rendition/recognition capability of aplurality of isolated regions as compared to a plurality of isolatedregions having no substantial offset angle. That is to say, a pluralityof isolated regions having an offset angle may permit a viewer torecognize the modified image as being substantially similar to theoriginal image (e.g., isolated regions which comprise a modified imageof a human face may be more recognizable when having an offset angle ascompared to substantially no offset angle). In some such embodiments(wherein the plurality of isolated regions have an offset angle),isolated regions with a smaller size and/or decreased distances betweenisolated regions may be used to result in a similarly recognizable imageas compared to, for example, larger and/or less closely spaced isolatedregions with substantially no offset angle.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of isolatedregions is substantially offset with respect to the vertical orhorizontal orientation direction of the original image being rendered.That is to say, the plurality of isolated regions may not form aparticular pattern of rows and columns aligned with the vertical orhorizontal orientation direction of the original image. In some suchembodiments, the angle (θ, theta) may be different for each set ofneighboring isolated regions.

Base Layer and Image Layer of Isolated Regions

As described above, in some embodiments, at least a portion of theisolated regions comprise at least one base layer and/or at least oneimage layer disposed on the at least one base layer. The presence of atleast one base layer may offer several advantages over the use of animage layer alone, including increasing the vibrancy and/or opacity ofthe image. That is to say, the presence of at least one base layerdisposed under at least one image layer may increase the reflection ofincident light (e.g., increasing the amount of light reflected perisolated region that, for example, reaches the eye of a viewer) orincrease the absorption of incident light (e.g., decreasing the amountof light transmitted through the isolated region). For example, asillustrated in FIG. 7, image layer 720 is disposed upon base layer 710(e.g., a white base layer) to form isolated region 730, resulting in amore vibrant color of isolated region 730 as compared to image layer 720alone. As described above, for embodiments comprising substantiallyopaque isolated regions, and particularly for substantially completelyopaque isolated regions, formed from one or more base layers and one ormore image layers, it is the combination of the at least one base layerand the at least one image layer that generally results in providing thedegree of opacity of the isolated region. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art based upon the teachings of this specification thateach of the one or more base layers and/or each of the one or more imagelayers in such a combination may or may not be substantially opaqueindividually, but may be substantially opaque only incombination/superposition (e.g., an image layer disposed on a baselayer).

Thickness

Vibrancy may be further enhanced by, for example, using a combination ofmultiple layers of the one or more base layers, thicker layers of theone or more base layers, multiple layers of the one or more imagelayers, and/or thicker layers of the one or more image layers. FIG. 8A-Dillustrates several cross-sectional views of exemplary arrangementsand/or thicknesses of base layers (depicted white for illustrativepurposes) and image layers (depicted grey for illustrative purposes)which can result in enhanced vibrancy and/or opacity as compared to theuse of an image layer alone. The ratio of the average thickness of theone or more base layers (i.e. the total thickness of the one or morebase layers) to the average thickness of the one or more image layers(i.e. the total thickness of the one or more image layers) may rangebetween about 1:5 to about 5:1 (e.g., between about 1:2 and about 3:1).For example, in some embodiments, the ratio of the average thickness ofthe one or more base layers to the average thickness of the one or moreimage layers may be about 1:5, about 1:4, about 1:3, about 1:2, about2:3, about 1:1, about 3:2, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, or about5:1.

Opacity

Opacity of the graphic layer and/or of each isolated region may bemeasured by any suitable method known in the art including, for example,spectrophotometry (e.g., measured at a particular range of wavelengthsof electromagnetic radiation, e.g. visible light—i.e. between about 380nm and about 750 nm). Those skilled in the art would be capable ofselecting appropriate methods for determining the opacity of the graphiclayer and/or isolated regions. The average opacity of each substantiallyopaque isolated region may range, for example, between about 50% andabout 100% (e.g., between about 80% and about 100%, between about 90%and about 95%, between about 90% and about 100%, between about 95% andabout 100%, between about 99% and about 100%) depending on the desiredvisual representation/effect and the level of transparency of thesurrounding transparent contiguous region(s). In certain embodiments,the average opacity of each substantially opaque isolated region mayrange, for example, between about 50% and about 100% of visible light(e.g., between about 80% and about 100% of visible light, between about90% and about 95% of visible light, between about 90% and about 100% ofvisible light, between about 95% and about 100% of visible light,between about 99% and about 100% of visible light).

For embodiments in which the substantially opaque isolated regions arenot substantially completely opaque (i.e. where the opacity of theisolated regions is less than approximately 100% average opacity), theoverall transparency of a graphic layer containing the isolated regionswill be a function not just of the percentage of surface area of thegraphic layer occupied by the regions (as in the discussion above), butalso of the average opacity of the isolated regions. In such situations,the overall graphic layer transparency may be determined by:Graphic layer transparency=1−(individual isolated region average %opacity×% surface area coverage by isolated regions)For example, if individual isolated regions are substantially completelyopaque (i.e. are approximately 100% opaque) and they cover 20% of thetotal graphic layer, the graphic layer's transparency is 80%; whereas ifthe substantially opaque isolated regions are only 50% opaque but cover40% of the total layer, the total layer's transparency is again 80%.Dimensions

In some embodiments, the largest cross-sectional dimension of the baselayer portion (e.g., comprising one or more base layers) of an isolatedregion may be greater than or less than the largest cross-sectionaldimension of the superimposed image layer portion (e.g., comprising oneor more image layers) of the isolated region. For example, in someembodiments, the ratio of the largest cross-sectional dimension of thebase layer portion to the largest cross-sectional dimension of the imagelayer portion may be between about 0.9:1 to about 1.1:1. In someembodiments, the largest cross-sectional dimension of the base layerportion may be about equal to the largest cross-sectional dimension ofthe image layer portion (e.g., a ratio of about 1:1). The superpositionof a base layer portion and an image layer portion having differentcross-sectional dimensions may, in some cases, increase thevibrancy/recognizability of the image and/or alter the opacity of thegraphic layer.

Those skilled in the art would understand that the largestcross-sectional dimension of an isolated region may be different thanthe largest cross-sectional dimension of the base layer portion and/orof the image layer portion of said isolated region. That is to say, forexample, in cases where the largest-cross-sectional dimension of thebase layer portion is greater than that of the image layer portion, thelargest cross-sectional dimension of the isolated region comprising saidbase layer portion and image layer portion may be equal to the largestcross-sectional dimension of the base layer portion. However, in somecases (e.g., wherein the at least one base layer and the at least oneimage layer are not completely aligned/superimposed), the largestcross-sectional dimension of the isolated region may be determined bymeasuring the dimensions occupied by the combination of base layers andimage layers.

Exemplary Materials for Forming Graphic Layers

The isolated regions may be formed of any suitable material forforming/displaying an image. Non-limiting examples of suitable materialsinclude inks (including, for example, eco-solvent inks, solvent inks,latex inks, UV-cured inks), dyes, pigments (including, for example,organic pigments, complex inorganic ceramic pigments, mixed metal oxidepigments), paints (including, for example, paints employing acrylicresins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane resins,fluoropolymer resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylfluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, orfluoroethylene vinyl ether, polyester resins, melamine resins, silaneresins, epoxy resins, or other natural and/or synthetic resins), LEDs,electronic inks, or other such materials generally known to thoseskilled in the art. As described above, in some embodiments, theisolated regions are substantially opaque. The isolated regions may bedeposited or formed on the contiguous layer using any suitabletechnique. Non-limiting examples of suitable techniques for depositingor forming the isolated regions include flatbed printing, inkjetprinting, digital printing, lithographic printing, rotogravure printing,laser printing, screen printing, coil coating, etching of the contiguouslayer material to alter its transparency, embedding, embossing, sandblasting, laser etching, laser marking, atomic layer deposition,chemical vapor deposition, or other methods known in the art.

In some embodiments, one or more base layers of an isolated regioncomprise inks (including, for example, eco-solvent inks, solvent inks,latex inks, UV-cured inks), pigments (including, for example, organicpigments, complex inorganic ceramic pigments, mixed metal oxidepigments), dyes, paints (including, for example, paints employingacrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane resins,fluoropolymer resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylfluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, orfluoroethylene vinyl ether, polyester resins, melamine resins, silaneresins, epoxy resins, or other natural and/or synthetic resins), LEDs,electronic inks, or other such materials generally known to thoseskilled in the art. The ink, pigment, dye, paint, LEDs, electronic inks,and/or other such materials may comprise a weather-resistant (e.g.,outdoor-rated) material and/or be UV-cured. Each base layer may be asingle color (e.g., white) or a plurality of colors and may be the sameor different. In some embodiments, the base layer itself issubstantially opaque or substantially completely opaque. As describedabove, the base layer (e.g., a white base layer) may increase theopacity and/or vibrancy of the image.

In certain embodiments, the image layer comprises inks (including, forexample, eco-solvent inks, solvent inks, latex inks, UV-cured inks),dyes, pigments (including, for example, organic pigments, complexinorganic ceramic pigments, mixed metal oxide pigments), paints(including, for example, paints employing acrylic resins such aspolymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane resins, fluoropolymer resins suchas polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or fluoroethylene vinyl ether, polyesterresins, melamine resins, silane resins, epoxy resins, or other naturaland/or synthetic resins), LEDs, electronic inks, or other such materialsgenerally known to those skilled in the art. The inks, dyes, pigments,paints, LEDs, electronic inks or other such materials may comprise aweather resistant (e.g., outdoor-rated) material and/or be UV-cured. Theimage layer in one exemplary isolated region may comprise a single colorand may be the same or different color than an image layer in adifferent isolated region. In some such embodiments, the plurality ofisolated regions together may form a recognizable image, as describedabove.

In some embodiments, an image layer in one exemplary isolated region maycomprise two or more colors, three or more colors, four or more colors,or a plurality of colors. For example, the image layer of an isolatedregion may comprise a combination of CMYK inks, RGB inks, Pantonecolors, or other color combinations known in the art.

While the description above primarily relates to isolated regionscomprising one or more base layers and one or more image layers, it willbe understood by those skilled in the art that there not necessarily bea separate base layer and that the isolated region may be fabricated insuch a manner to impart the particular properties (e.g., opacity,thickness, dimensions, shape) described above, without the base layer.That is to say, in some embodiments, the plurality of isolated regions(e.g., substantially opaque isolated regions) may comprise one or moreimage layers.

Contiguous Layer Forming Materials

Transparency

The contiguous layer in preferred embodiments comprises a material atleast some portion of which is substantially transparent to at least onewavelength within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. The contiguouslayer may be partially transparent. That is to say, the contiguouslayer, or only a portion of the contiguous layer, may permit onlycertain ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (e.g.,infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light) to pass through thematerial. In some embodiments, the contiguous layer is substantiallytransparent to a broad range of wavelengths of electromagneticradiation. For example, in some embodiments, the contiguous layer willbe substantially transparent with respect to some wavelengths fallingwithin a range of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. wavelengths in atleast some portion(s) of the visible light spectrum. In specificembodiments, the range in which the contiguous layer will besubstantially transparent will include all or some portion of, and incertain embodiments substantially all of, the range between an averagewavelength between about 10 nm and about 1,000,000 nm; in certainembodiments between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm, in certainembodiments between about 380 nm and about 750 nm, and in certainembodiments between about 600 nm and about 1200 nm. The averagewavelength refers to the wavelength at which the average peak maximum ofthe electromagnetic radiation occurs in the spectrum of lighttransmitted through the transparent material. The average wavelength maybe a particular peak maximum having the largest intensity in aparticular spectrum of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light),or, alternatively, the average wavelength may be a peak in anelectromagnetic spectrum that has at least a defined maximum, but asmaller intensity relative to other peaks in the spectrum. For example,in some embodiments, the contiguous layer will be substantiallytransparent with respect to electromagnetic radiation having an averagewavelength greater than or equal to about 10 nm, greater than or equalto about 300 nm, greater than or equal to about 380 nm, greater than orequal to about 500 nm, greater than or equal to about 600 nm, greaterthan or equal to about 700 nm, greater than or equal to about 750 nm,greater than or equal to about 800 nm, greater than or equal to about900 nm, or greater than or equal to about 1200 nm. In certainembodiments, the contiguous layer will be substantially transparent withrespect to electromagnetic radiation having an average wavelength lessthan about 1,000,000 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 900nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 380 nm, or less than about300 nm. Combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible(e.g., an average wavelength between about 300 nm and about 1200 nm,between about 380 nm and about 750 nm, between about 600 nm and about1200 nm). Other ranges are also possible.

Materials

The transparent material may comprise any suitable material capable oftransmitting electromagnetic radiation to the desired extent.Non-limiting examples of suitable transparent materials include glass(including, for example, low-iron glass with or without anti-reflectiveand/or anti-glare coating), clear coats, transparent plasticizers, andpolymers such as polyacrylics, polyvinyls (e.g., transparent vinylmaterials such as, for example, those used in window decal and vehicledecal or wrap applications), fluoropolymers (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene,fluoroethylene vinyl ether), urethanes, polyurethanes, polycarbonates,polyesters, and other transparent polymers.

PV Modules

As described above, the graphic layers described above may haveparticular utility to enhance the aesthetic appearance of solar panels(i.e. photovoltaic modules) in certain preferred embodiments.Accordingly, certain embodiments involve the provision or formation of aphotovoltaic module comprising one or more graphic layers as describedherein. The one or more graphic layers may be arranged in any suitablearrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more graphiclayers are disposed on or otherwise positioned in proximity to aphotovoltaic layer in a manner that the one or more graphic layers formsan image or pattern to a viewer observing the photovoltaic layer. Incertain embodiments, the one or more graphic layers may be positioned infront of the photovoltaic layer (i.e. between the active(light-incident), visible surface of the photovoltaic layer and aviewer; e.g., the one or more graphic layers may be disposed on or underone or more layers (e.g., a protective layer, an encapsulant layer)adjacent to or disposed on the active surface (i.e. light incidentsurface, as defined above) of the photovoltaic layer). That is to say,in some embodiments, one or more additional layers may be disposedbetween the one or more graphic layers and the photovoltaic layer and/orbetween the one or more graphic layers and the viewer while maintainingthe graphic layers in front of the photovoltaic layer. The phraselight-incident surface of a photovoltaic layer/cell generally refers tothe top protective cover of a solar photovoltaic device (such as glass,acrylic, front sheet utilizing fluoropolymers such aspolytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, orfluoroethylene vinyl ether, silicone encapsulant, or any othertransparent cover material utilized in the manufacture of photovoltaicmodules and known in the art) and/or the surface of a photovoltaicdevice that is configured and positioned to receive incidentelectromagnetic radiation for the generation of electricity (e.g., theactive surface of a photovoltaic layer positioned, for example, suchthat the electromagnetic radiation interacts with the photovoltaic layersuch that electric current is generated). Electromagnetic radiation(e.g., typical wavelengths of “light” as used herein) is described inmore detail, below.

For example, FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric schematic of an exemplaryarrangement of a photovoltaic module 900 comprising a graphic layer 901.In some embodiments, graphic layer 901 (comprising a plurality ofisolated regions 903, each comprising one or more base layers and/or oneor more image layers, and a contiguous region 904) is adhered to alight-incident surface 902 of a photovoltaic layer 905. Photovoltaiclayer generally refers to a layer of a photovoltaic module which absorbselectromagnetic radiation such that current is generated, as isdescribed in more detail below. In some such embodiments, graphic layer901 is positioned in front of and optionally superimposed on at least aportion of the light-incident surface 902 of solar photovoltaic layer905 such that the transparent contiguous regions 904 may permit incidentlight to be transmitted through, enabling the photovoltaic layer 905 toconvert said incident light into energy. Isolated regions 903 may absorbcertain ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, transmitcertain other ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationthrough, and reflect certain other ranges of wavelengths. The pluralityof isolated regions 903 may together form an image and/or pattern whichmay be made visible to a viewer by the light that is reflected by theisolated regions 903. That is to say, graphic layer 901 comprises animage and/or pattern that is generally reflected back to the eyes of aviewer, such that the visual appearance of the photovoltaic layer 905 isthat of the image and/or pattern.

In certain embodiments, graphic layer 901 may be adhered to thelight-incident surface 902 (or alternatively to intervening layersadjacent to photovoltaic layer 905 not shown) using a variety oftechniques. For example, the graphic layer may be adhered usingsemi-permanent adhesive (e.g., such as those used to adhere vinylmaterials onto outdoor surfaces) and/or adhesive which may be removableso as to replace the graphic layer 901. In some embodiments, the graphiclayer is adhered using a permanent adhesive including, but not limitedto, encapsulants such as polyvinyl butyral, silicone,polydimethylsiloxane, ionomer, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin, orthermoplastic polyurethane, temperature-cured adhesives,pressure-sensitive adhesives, or UV-cured adhesives, or by mechanicalmeans such as clamping down with frames, or by employing other materialsor methods known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, thegraphic layer adheres to the light-incident surface (or alternatively tothe intervening layers adjacent the photovoltaic layer) via formation ofa bond, such as an ionic bond, a covalent bond, a hydrogen bond, Van derWaals interactions, and the like. The covalent bond may be, for example,carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, oxygen-silicon, sulfur-sulfur,phosphorus-nitrogen, carbon-nitrogen, metal-oxygen, or other covalentbonds. The hydrogen bond may be, for example, between hydroxyl, amine,carboxyl, thiol, and/or similar functional groups.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module comprising the graphiclayer further comprises an optional transparent protective cover.Referring again to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, photovoltaic module 900comprises optional transparent protective cover 906. The transparentprotective cover 906 may comprise any suitable material capable oftransmitting electromagnetic radiation to the desired extent.Non-limiting examples of suitable transparent materials include glass(including, for example, low-iron glass with or without anti-reflectiveand/or anti-glare coating), clear coats, transparent plasticizers, andpolymers such as polyacrylics, polyvinyls (e.g., transparent vinylmaterials such as, for example, those used in window decal and vehicledecal or wrap applications), fluoropolymers (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene,fluoroethylene vinyl ether), polycarbonates, polyesters, and othertransparent polymers. Such protective covers may help to protect thephotovoltaic module and/or the graphic layer from weather damage and/orincrease the lifetime of the photovoltaic module. The protective cover906 may be adhered to the photovoltaic module 900 or the graphic layer901 using any of a variety of semi-permanent adhesives (e.g., such asthose used to adhere vinyl materials onto outdoor surfaces) or permanentadhesives (e.g., encapsulants such as polyvinyl butyral, silicone,polydimethylsiloxane, ionomer, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin, orthermoplastic polyurethane, temperature-cured adhesives,pressure-sensitive adhesives, or UV-cured adhesives), or by mechanicalmeans such as clamping down with frames, or by employing other materialsor methods known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric schematic of another exemplaryarrangement of a photovoltaic module 1000 comprising a graphic layer1001. In some such embodiments (as illustrated), the graphic layer maybe deposited directly onto a light-incident surface of the photovoltaiclayer. Non-limiting examples of suitable techniques for depositing thegraphic layer include flatbed printing, inkjet printing, digitalprinting, lithographic printing, rotogravure printing, laser printing,screen printing, coil coating, etching, embedding, embossing, sandblasting, laser etching, laser marking, atomic layer deposition,chemical vapor deposition, or other methods known in the art. Forexample, photovoltaic layer 1005 may comprise light-incident surface1002, graphic layer 1001 disposed on surface 1002, and optionalprotective cover 1006 (e.g., disposed on graphic layer 1001). In somesuch embodiments, graphic layer 1001 comprises a plurality of isolatedregions 1003 (e.g., comprising one or more base layers and/or one ormore image layers) and transparent contiguous region 1004. Contiguousregion 1004 may be the light-incident surface 1002 of photovoltaic layer1005 (e.g., which may comprise glass, acrylic, front sheet utilizingfluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride,polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinatedethylene propylene, or fluoroethylene vinyl ether, silicone encapsulant,or any other transparent cover material utilized in the manufacture ofphotovoltaic modules and known in the art). That is to say, contiguousregion 1004 need not be a physically separate material from that used toform the light-incident surface 1002.

The transparent contiguous region 1004 may permit incident light to betransmitted through, enabling the photovoltaic layer 1005 to convertsaid incident light into energy. Isolated regions 1003 may absorbcertain ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, transmitcertain other ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationthrough, and reflect certain other ranges of wavelengths. The pluralityof isolated regions 1003 may together form an image and/or pattern whichmay be made visible to a viewer by the light that is reflected by theisolated regions 1003. That is to say, graphic layer 1001 comprises animage and/or pattern that is generally reflected back to the eyes of aviewer, such that the visual appearance of the photovoltaic layer 1005is that of the image and/or pattern.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module comprising the graphiclayer further comprises an optional transparent protective cover.Referring again to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, photovoltaic module1000 comprises optional transparent protective cover 1006. Thetransparent protective cover 1006 may comprise any suitable materialcapable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation to the desired extent.Non-limiting examples of suitable transparent materials include glass(including, for example, low-iron glass with or without anti-reflectiveand/or anti-glare coating), transparent plasticizers, clear coats, andpolymers such as polyacrylics, polyvinyls (e.g., transparent vinylmaterials such as, for example, those used in window decal and vehicledecal or wrap applications), fluoropolymers (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride,ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene,fluoroethylene vinyl ether), polycarbonates, polyesters, and othertransparent polymers. Such protective covers may help to protect thephotovoltaic module and/or the graphic layer from weather damage and/orincrease the lifetime of the photovoltaic module. The protective cover1006 may be adhered to the photovoltaic module 1000 or the graphic layer1001 using any of a variety of semi-permanent adhesives (e.g., such asthose used to adhere vinyl materials onto outdoor surfaces) or permanentadhesives (e.g., encapsulants such as polyvinyl butyral, silicone,polydimethylsiloxane, ionomer, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin, orthermoplastic polyurethane, temperature-cured adhesives,pressure-sensitive adhesives, or UV-cured adhesives), or by mechanicalmeans such as clamping down with frames, or by employing other materialsor methods known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric schematic of another exemplaryarrangement of a photovoltaic module 1100 comprising a graphic layer1102. In this view, the solar photovoltaic module 1100 is shown,including a light-incident surface 1101, the graphic layer 1102,encapsulant layers 1105 and 1107, photovoltaic layer 1106, andprotective back cover 1108. In some such embodiments (as illustrated),the graphic layer 1102 may be deposited directly onto the underside ofthe light-incident surface 1101 of the photovoltaic module. Non-limitingexamples of suitable techniques for depositing the graphic layer includeflatbed printing, inkjet printing, digital printing, rotogravureprinting lithographic printing, laser printing, screen printing, coilcoating, etching, embedding, embossing, sand blasting, laser etching,laser marking, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, orother methods known in the art. The encapsulant layers 1105 and 1107 maycomprise the same or different materials and may comprise, for example,an adhesive or encapsulant such as ethylene vinyl acetate, silicone, orother materials utilized in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules andknown in the art. Photovoltaic layer 1106 is made of electricallyconnected crystalline silicon cells although in other embodiments it maybe made of other photovoltaically active materials utilized in themanufacture of photovoltaic modules and known in the art. Protectiveback cover 1108 may comprise a polymer such as polyvinyl fluoride (e.g.,TEDLAR®, Dunmore's Dun-Solar TPE) or the like. Protective back coversare known in the art and those skilled in the art would be capable ofselecting appropriate materials.

In some embodiments, graphic layer 1102 comprises a plurality ofisolated regions 1103 (e.g., comprising one or more base layers and/orone or more image layers) and transparent contiguous region 1104.Contiguous region 1104 may be the light-incident surface 1101 ofphotovoltaic module 1100 (e.g., which may comprise glass, acrylic, frontsheet utilizing fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene,polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, or fluoroethylenevinyl ether, silicone encapsulant or any other transparent covermaterial utilized in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules and knownin the art). That is to say, contiguous region 1104 need not be aphysically separate material from that used to form the light-incidentsurface 1101.

The transparent contiguous region 1104 may permit incident light to betransmitted through, enabling the photovoltaic layer 1106 to convertsaid incident light into energy. Isolated regions 1103 may absorbcertain ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, transmitcertain other ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationthrough, and reflect certain other ranges of wavelengths. The pluralityof isolated regions 1103 may together form an image and/or pattern whichmay be made visible to a viewer by the light that is reflected by theisolated regions 1103. That is to say, graphic layer 1102 comprises animage and/or pattern that is generally reflected back to the eyes of aviewer, such that the visual appearance of the photovoltaic module 1100is that of the image and/or pattern.

The entire stack of components depicted in FIG. 11 may be laminatedfollowing established practices for laminating a solar module which areknown to practitioners of the art.

FIG. 12 is an exploded isometric schematic of another exemplaryarrangement of a photovoltaic module 1200 comprising a graphic layer1203. In this view, the solar photovoltaic module 1200 is shown,including a light-incident surface 1201, encapsulant layers 1202, 1207,and 1209, graphic layer 1203 containing image and/or pattern 1204,photovoltaic layer 1208, and protective back cover 1210. Thelight-incident surface 1201 may comprise glass, acrylic, front sheetutilizing fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylfluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene,fluorinated ethylene propylene, or fluoroethylene vinyl ether, siliconeencapsulant or any other transparent cover material utilized in themanufacture of photovoltaic modules and known in the art. Theencapsulant layers 1202, 1207 and 1209 may comprise the same ordifferent materials and may comprise, for example, an adhesive orencapsulant such as ethylene vinyl acetate, silicone, or other materialsutilized in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules and known in theart. Photovoltaic layer 1208 is made of electrically connectedcrystalline silicon cells although in other embodiments it may be madeof other photovoltaically active materials utilized in the manufactureof photovoltaic modules and known in the art. Protective back cover 1210may comprise a polymer such as polyvinyl fluoride (e.g., TEDLAR®,Dunmore's Dun-Solar TPE) or the like. Protective back covers are knownin the art and those skilled in the art would be capable of selectingappropriate materials.

In some embodiments, graphic layer 1203 comprises a plurality ofisolated regions 1205 (e.g., comprising one or more base layers and/orone or more image layers) and transparent contiguous region 1206. Thetransparent contiguous region 1206 may permit incident light to betransmitted through, enabling the photovoltaic layer 1208 to convertsaid incident light into energy. Isolated regions 1205 may absorbcertain ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, transmitcertain other ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationthrough, and reflect certain other ranges of wavelengths. The pluralityof isolated regions 1205 may together form an image and/or pattern 1204which may be made visible to a viewer by the light that is reflected bythe isolated regions 1205. That is to say, graphic layer 1203 comprisesan image and/or pattern 1204 that is generally reflected back to theeyes of a viewer, such that the visual appearance of the photovoltaicmodule 1200 is that of the image and/or pattern 1204.

The entire stack of components depicted in FIG. 12 may be laminatedfollowing established practices for laminating a solar module which arewell-known to practitioners of the art.

Photovoltaic layers are generally known in the art and may, for example,comprise materials such as crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon,cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, organic photovoltaicmaterials, or other photovoltaic materials known to those skilled in theart. Other photovoltaic layers are also possible. In some cases, thephotovoltaic modules may be rigid or flexible.

EXAMPLES Example 1

The following example describes the design and selection of functionalparameters for creation of a graphic layer, according to someembodiments.

A step for preparing a graphic layer of the invention involved modifyingan image to achieve a certain transparency and a certain resolution bythe calculation of the isolated region size and the number of isolatedregions per unit area. The following description is an exemplary methodfor calculating these parameters using a formulaic approach. Forsubstantially circular isolated region shapes, let the isolated regionradius be represented by r, and the number of isolated regions per unitarea by n. Let A represent the total surface area of the image. Let Trepresent the desired transparency, measured as the percentage of animage's surface area that is transparent. Let D represent the desiredimage resolution, measured in isolated regions (in this case Dots) PerInch or DPI. Then, the two unknowns, n and r, may be given by:n=D ² *Ar=√{[(1−T)*A]/[n*π]}

A “clipping mask” that can be used to digitally clip out just thenecessary portions from an image was then created in a graphicalalgorithm editor (e.g., Grasshopper®). FIG. 3B depicts an illustrativeclipping mask of length, L, and breadth, B, containing a plurality ofcircles 320. Essentially a grid made of objects (in this exemplary case,the objects being circles), the mask can be overlaid on an image and animage editing software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator®) can be used to parseout just those portions of the image that are superimposed by theobjects. In this example, the clipping mask was arranged such that thecircles in adjacent columns, and the circles in adjacent rows, areoffset. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, odd numbered columns C₁, C₃, C₅ . . .are offset from even numbered columns C₂, C₄, C₆ . . . . Similarly,adjacent rows of circles are offset as well. Thus, odd numbered rows R₁,R₃, R₅ . . . are offset from even numbered rows R₂, R₄, R₆ . . . . Thisoffsetting of circles, which will eventually turn into offsetting ofopaque isolated regions in the modified final image, may permit a morecohesive appearance of the image to the human eye. Without theoffsetting, the visual appearance of the image may deteriorate. Finally,it may be observed that the number of even numbered columns is one fewerthan the number of odd numbered columns and the number of even numberedrows is one fewer than the number of odd numbered rows. Thus, if thetotal number of columns is x, the number of odd numbered columns will be(x+1)/2 and the number of even numbered columns will be (x−1)/2; and ifthe total number of rows is y, the number of odd numbered rows will be(y+1)/2 and the number of even numbered rows will be (y−1)/2.

To determine the exact number of circles in each row and column, and todetermine the spacing between the circles, a formulaic approach may beemployed. Referring again to FIG. 3B, the total number of circles (whichmust equal the n calculated previously) is given by the equation:((x+1)/2*(y+1)/2)+((x−1)/2*(y−1)/2)=n

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a set of four adjacent circles in theclipping mask. In this illustrative case, the degree of offset betweentwo adjacent columns, as well as between two adjacent rows, is about 45degrees. As a result, it may be seen that when the centers of the fourcircles are connected, it forms an imaginary square. Let U be thedistance between the edge of two circles along the line that connectsthe centers of the two circles; therefore it follows that U+2r is thetotal length of the imaginary square's edge. It therefore furtherfollows that the total area occupied by the four quarter circles withinthe imaginary square, when expressed as a percentage of the area of theimaginary square, equals the desired degree of opacity, i.e. (1−T), suchthat:U ²+4rU+(4−π/(1−T))r ²=0

Using the solution for quadratic equation, one may deduce the set of twopossible values for U. One of those values will be negative, which mustbe discarded, leaving the positive value as the only realisticpossibility.

FIG. 4 illustrates the orientation of three neighboring isolatedregions. It depicts as S the distance between the centers of two circlesthat are on the same row. Since, the angle of offset, (θ, theta) in thisillustrative case is 45 degrees, and the circles in adjacent columns areequally spaced apart (in this illustrative case), it follows thereforethatS=2*cos 45*(U+2r)

Finally, x and y are given byx=2L/Sy=2B/S

It therefore follows that the clipping mask can be created comprising ncircles, each of radius r, which are arranged in a pattern of x columnsand y rows such that neighboring columns and neighboring rows are offsetby a chosen angle (in this illustrative case, 45 degrees) and theneighboring circles in a row, as well as neighboring circles in acolumn, are spaced apart S, center to center.

Once the clipping mask was thus created, it was overlaid onto theoriginal image in a digital image editing software (e.g., AdobeIllustrator®) and the image was digitally “clipped” such that only thosesections of the image that were superimposed by the circles in theclipping mask were retained, with the remainder of the spaces renderedtransparent. That is to say, the clipping mask is generally apre-determined pattern which is used to define the modified image. FIG.6A-B illustrates clipping mask 620 superimposed on original image 610and the clipping function carried out in the software, resulting in themodified image 630 where only those sections of the image that wereunderneath the circles in the clipping mask were retained, with the restof the spaces being empty, or transparent. In some types of software,the sections of the image that are clipped and preserved may retain anon-zero vector value equal to the CMYK color codes of those sections,and the remainder of the image may be rendered a zero vector value,indicating complete transparency in the software. Factors such asbrightness, contrast, hue, color temperature, CMYK color values, etc.may also be adjusted to enhance the vibrancy of the modified image.

Example 2

The following example describes the fabrication of photovoltaic modulescomprising a graphic layer, according to some embodiments.

Rooftop Tile Pattern

FIG. 13A shows the raw image of rooftop tiles to be integrated into asolar panel. FIG. 13B shows the same image modified into substantiallytransparent format using the methodology outlined in Example 1. Theimage was modified to achieve a target transparency of 80% and targetDPI of 12.61, to be printed over a total surface area of 18″×30″, or 540square inches. Accordingly, using the equations in Example 1, theisolated region radius was derived as 0.02 inches and the total numberof isolated regions as 85,868. Subsequently, following the stepsoutlined in Example 1, a clipping mask was created in graphicalalgorithm editor, Grasshopper®, comprising 85,868 circles, each ofradius 0.02 inches, arranged in a pattern of 321 columns and 535 rows,with neighboring columns and neighboring rows offset by 45 degrees andthe neighboring circles in a row, as well as neighboring circles in acolumn, spaced apart 0.11212 inches, center to center. The clipping maskwas placed over the image in FIG. 13A in image editing software, AdobeIllustrator®, and the image in FIG. 13B was created. This image was thenprinted with two coats of under print (base layers) and one coat of topimage print (image layer) with a plurality of colors on clear vinyl(e.g., PowerGraphics Clear EcoCling vinyl) using a flatbed printer. Tonext integrate the vinyl with the image into a solar panel, the layersshown in FIG. 14 were arranged and laminated using the solar laminator.The layers were: (i) a top protective layer 1401—Madico's VueTek®transparent photovoltaic backsheet; (ii) temperature cured EVA (ethylenevinyl acetate) encapsulant layers 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408—STR's Photocap®15585P HLTTM EVA photovoltaic encapsulating film; (iii) the vinyl withthe image, 1403 (e.g., PowerGraphics Clear EcoCling vinyl); (iv) topcover of the solar photovloltaic module, 1405—4 mm low-iron solar glass;(v) the photovoltaic cell matrix, 1407—monocrystalline solar cellselectrically connected in series in a 3×5 matrix; (vi) protectivebacksheet, 1409—Madico's Protekt® charcoal/black photovoltaic backsheet.This lamination stack was placed in the solar laminator and allowed tobond together using a lamination procedure similar to the one used forconventional solar photovoltaic modules and known to those skilled inthe art. After the lamination, the electrical leads from thephotovoltaic cell matrix were encased in a junction box adhered to theunderside of the module, as is typically done with conventional solarphotovoltaic modules. Finally, aluminum frames were added to all fouredges of the module, again as is typically done with conventional solarphotovoltaic modules. The resultant solar photovoltaic module is shownin FIG. 15. The module's current-voltage characteristic (“IV curve”) wasplotted after subjecting it to the same flash simulation used tocharacterize conventional solar modules, and its power rating wasestablished to be 36 W, which confirmed the expected 20% reduction fromthe nominal 45 W that would have been the module's power rating had itnot been covered by the 20% opaque image print.

Company Logo—Microsoft's OneDrive™

FIG. 16A shows the raw image of a graphic containing Microsoft'sOneDrive™ logo to be integrated into a solar panel. FIG. 16B shows thesame image modified into substantially transparent format using themethodology outlined in Example 1. The image was modified to achieve atarget transparency of 80% and target DPI of ˜12.59, to be printed overa total surface area of 25″×50″, or 1250 square inches. Accordingly,using the equations in Example 1, the isolated region radius was derivedas 0.02 inches and the total number of isolated regions as 198,248.Subsequently, following the steps outlined in Example 1, a clipping maskwas created in graphical algorithm editor, Grasshopper®, comprising198,248 circles, each of radius 0.02 inches, arranged in a pattern of445 rows and 891 columns, with neighboring rows and neighboring columnsoffset by 45 degrees and the neighboring circles in a row, as well asneighboring circles in a column, spaced apart 0.11212 inches, center tocenter. The clipping mask was placed over the image in FIG. 16A inimaging editing software, Adobe Illustrator®, and the modified image inFIG. 16B was created. This image was then printed with two coats ofunder print (base layers) and one coat of top image print (image layer)on clear vinyl (e.g., PowerGraphics Clear EcoCling vinyl) using aflatbed printer. To next integrate the vinyl with the image into a solarpanel, the layers shown in FIG. 17 were arranged and laminated using thesolar laminator. The layers are: (i) a top protective layer1701—Madico's VueTek® transparent photovoltaic backsheet; (ii)temperature cured EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) encapsulant layers 1702,1704, 1706, 1708—STR's Photocap® 15585P HLTTM EVA photovoltaicencapsulating film; (iii) the vinyl with the image, 1703 (e.g.,PowerGraphics Clear EcoCling vinyl); (iv) top cover of the solarphotovoltaic module, 1705—4 mm low-iron solar glass; (v) thephotovoltaic cell matrix, 1707—monocrystalline solar cells electricallyconnected in series in a 4×9 matrix; (vi) protective backsheet,1709—Madico's Protekt® charcoal/black photovoltaic backsheet. Thislamination stack was placed in the solar laminator and allowed to bondtogether using a lamination procedure similar to the one used forconventional solar photovoltaic modules and known to those skilled inthe art. After the lamination, the electrical leads from thephotovoltaic cell matrix were encased in a junction box adhered to theunderside of the module, as is typically done with conventional solarphotovoltaic modules. Finally, aluminum frames were added to all fouredges of the module, again as is typically done with conventional solarphotovoltaic modules. The resultant solar photovoltaic module is shownin FIG. 18. The module's current-voltage characteristic (“IV curve”) wasplotted after subjecting it to the same flash simulation used tocharacterize conventional solar modules, and its power rating wasestablished to be 86 W, which confirmed the expected 20% reduction fromthe nominal 108 W that would have been the module's power rating had itnot been covered by the 20% opaque image print.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been describedand illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunctions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatall parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the teachings of thepresent invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, manyequivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention describedherein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoingembodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within thescope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention maybe practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Thepresent invention is directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe scope of the present invention.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionallybe present other than the elements specifically identified by the“and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elementsspecifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus,as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used inconjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, inone embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of or “exactly one of,” or, when used inthe claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly oneelement of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” asused herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

When the word “about” is used herein in reference to a number, it shouldbe understood that still another embodiment of the invention includesthat number not modified by the presence of the word “about.”

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and the like are to be understoodto be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only thetransitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, asset forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent ExaminingProcedures, Section 2111.03.

Any terms as used herein related to shape, orientation, alignment,and/or geometric relationship of or between, for example, one or morearticles, structures, forces, fields, flows, directions/trajectories,and/or subcomponents thereof and/or combinations thereof and/or anyother tangible or intangible elements not listed above amenable tocharacterization by such terms, unless otherwise defined or indicated,shall be understood to not require absolute conformance to amathematical definition of such term, but, rather, shall be understoodto indicate conformance to the mathematical definition of such term tothe extent possible for the subject matter so characterized as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art most closely related to suchsubject matter. Examples of such terms related to shape, orientation,and/or geometric relationship include, but are not limited to termsdescriptive of: shape—such as, round, square, circular/circle,rectangular/rectangle, triangular/triangle, cylindrical/cylinder,elipitical/elipse, (n)polygonal/(n)polygon, etc.; angularorientation—such as perpendicular, orthogonal, parallel, vertical,horizontal, collinear, etc.; contour and/or trajectory—such as,plane/planar, coplanar, hemispherical, semi-hemispherical, line/linear,hyperbolic, parabolic, flat, curved, straight, arcuate, sinusoidal,tangent/tangential, etc.; direction—such as, north, south, east, west,etc.; surface and/or bulk material properties and/or spatial/temporalresolution and/or distribution—such as, smooth, reflective, transparent,clear, opaque, rigid, impermeable, uniform(ly), inert, non-wettable,insoluble, steady, invariant, constant, homogeneous, etc.; as well asmany others that would be apparent to those skilled in the relevantarts. As one example, a fabricated article that would described hereinas being “square” would not require such article to have faces or sidesthat are perfectly planar or linear and that intersect at angles ofexactly 90 degrees (indeed, such an article can only exist as amathematical abstraction), but rather, the shape of such article shouldbe interpreted as approximating a “square,” as defined mathematically,to an extent typically achievable and achieved for the recitedfabrication technique as would be understood by those skilled in the artor as specifically described. As another example, two or more fabricatedarticles that would described herein as being “aligned” would notrequire such articles to have faces or sides that are perfectly aligned(indeed, such an article can only exist as a mathematical abstraction),but rather, the arrangement of such articles should be interpreted asapproximating “aligned,” as defined mathematically, to an extenttypically achievable and achieved for the recited fabrication techniqueas would be understood by those skilled in the art or as specificallydescribed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A graphic layer formed of a unitary sheet forcovering substantially all of a light-incident surface of a photovoltaiclayer of a photovoltaic module and for depicting a visiblerepresentation of an image along a surface of the photovoltaic module,the graphic layer comprising: a plurality of substantially opaqueisolated regions bearing portions of the image and being distributedacross the graphic layer, the opaque isolated regions having a largestcross-sectional dimension that is about 1000 microns to about 5080microns, wherein: the substantially opaque isolated regions are offset,by an angle that is about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, from otheradjacent neighboring substantially opaque regions that are closest whenmeasured by a distance between geometric centers of the substantiallyopaque isolated regions; at least a portion of the isolated regionscomprise a base layer and an image layer, the base layer comprising asubstantially white layer, wherein a ratio of an average thickness ofthe base layer to an average thickness of the image layer is about 4:1to about 1:2, and a ratio of the width of the base layer to the width ofthe image layer is about 0.9:1 to about 1.1:1; the substantially opaqueisolated regions occupy a surface area of less than about 50% of thesurface area of the graphic layer and together form the visiblerepresentation of the image; and a substantially transparent contiguouslayer along which the substantially opaque isolated regions aredisposed, the substantially transparent contiguous layer covering thephotovoltaic layer between the substantially opaque isolated regions. 2.The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein the substantially opaque isolatedregions have a largest cross-sectional dimension of about 3000 micronsto about 4000 microns.
 3. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein theoffset angle is about 45 degrees.
 4. The graphic layer of claim 1wherein an average shortest distance between perimeters of neighboringsubstantially opaque isolated regions is less than or equal to about 4times an average largest cross-sectional dimension of the substantiallyopaque isolated regions.
 5. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein anaverage shortest distance between perimeters of neighboringsubstantially opaque isolated regions is greater than or equal to about0.98 times an average largest cross-sectional dimension of thesubstantially opaque isolated regions.
 6. The graphic layer of claim 1wherein the ratio of the average thickness of the base layer to theaverage thickness of the image layer is about 2:1.
 7. The graphic layerof claim 1 wherein the isolated regions are substantially elliptical. 8.The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein the isolated regions aresubstantially circular.
 9. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein theisolated regions are substantially polygonal shaped.
 10. The graphiclayer of claim 1 wherein the substantially opaque isolated regionsoccupy a surface area of less than about 30% of the surface area of thegraphic layer.
 11. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein thesubstantially opaque isolated regions occupy a surface area of less thanabout 20% of the surface area of the graphic layer.
 12. The graphiclayer of claim 1 wherein the substantially opaque isolated regionsoccupy a surface area of less than about 10% of the surface area of thegraphic layer.
 13. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein thesubstantially opaque isolated regions occupy a surface area of less thanabout 5% of the surface area of the graphic layer.
 14. The graphic layerof claim 1 wherein the graphic layer substantially covers an entirefront surface of the photovoltaic module.
 15. The graphic layer of claim1 wherein the substantially opaque isolated regions are distributedsubstantially evenly along the entire graphic layer.
 16. The graphiclayer of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the substantially opaqueisolated regions are offset from adjacent columns of neighboringsubstantially opaque regions by an offset angle that is about 30 degreesto about 60 degrees from an axis along which columns of substantiallyopaque regions are disposed.
 17. The graphic layer of claim 1 whereinthe substantially transparent contiguous region comprises a transparentdecal layer and the substantially opaque isolated regions are disposedon a surface of the transparent decal layer.
 18. The graphic layer ofclaim 17 wherein the surface of the transparent decal layer is anadhesive layer.
 19. The graphic layer of claim 1 wherein the graphiclayer is a layer applied to an external surface of the photovoltaicmodule.